The Port of San Diego has officially named a beach at Spanish Landing “Kumeyaay Beach,” acknowledging and responding to years of efforts by local Kumeyaay tribespeople to do such.
At a July 14th meeting of San Diego Port’s Board of Commissioners, the beach’s renaming was approved.
Before the vote on the renaming, Jessie Pinto, an elder of the Kumeyaay Nation, spoke:
“The name, ‘Kumeyaay Beach,’ is more than a sign. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the first people of the land, to tell a more complete story of San Diego. The visitors who see this may ask, ‘Who are the Kumeyaays?’ The simple question opens the door to education, understanding and respect.”
Members of the Kumeyaay Nation have long advocated for giving this beach a name, due to its cultural significance. Then in June 2025, an official request was submitted to the board to rename the beach. Behind the request were the 12 tribes of the Kumeyaay Cultural Repatriation Committee, a coalition representing the Kumeyaay Tribe speaking with a single voice.
The Kumeyaay were the first people in the region, of course, and occupied the valleys, rivers, bays and other areas of what’s now San Diego. And the beaches. In fact, the word “Kumeyaay” means ‘people of the water.’
Jamie LaBrake, councilmember of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, said: “I’m glad the San Diego Port Commission has decided to honor our people by placing the name ‘Kumeyaay Beach’ on an unnamed section of our Kumeyaay coastline.”
Michael Zucchet, vice chair of the Port Commissioners, recognized the importance of the moment:
“For the Kumeyaay people, the waters of San Diego Bay have long been a source of life, culture, and connection. This recognition is an opportunity to honor the region’s first people, celebrate their lasting legacy, and help visitors to our waterfront have a greater understanding of their history.”
Reportedly, the Port will move on updating public maps, records and digital resources to reflect the new recognition, and will work with tribal representatives to create a new sign.
News source: Times of San Diego
